Henning Scherf
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Henning Scherf born 31 October 1938 in Bremen is the Mayor of Bremen and also Bremens senator of law and constitution.
He was elected as "Head of Senate" in 1995 which automatically made him "First Mayor of Bremen".
Henning Scherf is married since 1960 to Luise and has three children and six grand-children.
Since 1963 he is a member of the Social Democratic Party of Germany.
After studying law and social sciences from 1958 - 1962 in Berlin, Hamburg and Freiburg he worked for a protestant students association (Evangelisches Studentenwerk) until 1964.
In 1968 Scherf got his law doctorate from University of Hamburg.
After practicing as a lawyer in Bremen he went into politics and was elected to Bremer Bürgerschaft (parliament) in 1971. From 1978 on he has been a member of Bremen Senate (government) in various functions some of which were: senator for finances, senator for youth and social issues, senator for health and sport, second mayor, senator for education and sciences, senator of law and constitution.
He is also the head of the "Vermittlungsausschuss" (negotiations-committee)which resolves conflicts concerning legislation between "Bundesrat" and "Bundestag", the two houses of parliament on federal level.
So far Henning Scherf has been re-elected twice due to his popularity in Bremen.
He is well known for his warm and friendly character despite his looks (he is 2 m tall).His diplomatic skills especially in forging compromises and running negotiations are considered legendary not only by members of his own party.
For quite some time he was urged by the people to run for presidency (Bundespräsident) which he declined because of family reasons.
He is also well known for driving to work by bike and refusing to accept a car and a driver provided by the senate.
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